X-rays reveal Darlington's Liam Hatch did not break his neck in FA Cup defeat to Droylsden

Darlington officials expressed their relief today when X-rays showed striker
Liam Hatch had not broken his neck in a FA Cup replay defeat by Droylsden.

By Rob Stewart

1:13PM GMT 19 Nov 2008

Hatch, who is on loan at the Darlington Arena from Peterborough, was taken to hospital by ambulance during the match, which was held up for 35 minutes, but was released to travel home to Teesside with his team-mates and will undergo further assessment by the club on Wednesday.

"We're all very relieved because it was a worrying time for everyone concerned with the club," a Darlington spokesman said.

"Thankfully the X-rays were clear which was really great news and he managed to come back on the coach with the rest of the players. He is with our physiotherapist at the moment and we are awaiting the results of further tests later on today to identify the precise problem."

Kent-born Hatch has scored five goals in 13 appearances this season since Penney signed him on loan from League One side Peterborough in August.

He has played a key role in the League Two pacesetters' 11-match unbeaten run that was brought to a halt by the Blue Square North side whose act of FA Cup giant-killing has been overshadowed by concerns for Hatch's health.